20110107

STUDIO LIBRARY*

A glimpse at my little studio library...

I had a small collection of art history books from my art studio/art history days at Tulane which I continued to use as references for teaching. However, I gave them up when we left the British Virgin Islands. The only one remaining is the big blue book here, Gardner's Art Through the Ages.

I remember unpacking books last summer and thinking: "That's all?! Weren't there others?" It was clear, a lot more were left behind than previously thought. I did manage to track one in question, Elysium: A Gathering of Souls by Sandra Russell Clark, as luck would have it, my most treasured book. A friend found it and is holding it for me, bless him. I'd order another but it seems classified as rare now and quite expensive. Plus for sentimental reasons, I really just want my copy of Elysium. Hey, I'm willing to travel back to the islands for that book (okay, I admit, there would have to be other reasons: a few loose ends, e.g., Trade Department owes me money...friends to see...a warm, clear ocean...)

Here's a growing list of specifically art-related books I'm interested in purchasing:Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers by Leonard KorenInside the Studio: Talks with New York Artists edited by Judith RichardsThe Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love by Jackie BattenfieldThe 12 Million Dollar Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art by Dan ThompsonUta Barth by Matthew HigginsRobert Ryman: Used Paint by Suzanne P. Hudson

If you've read any of these, I'd like to know what you think.

Artists, what books are in your studio library?*By the way, I'd intended to post an image of that completed olive and turquoise painting (shown here in progress) but I'm having problems with photo quality. The dark, grey weather is not conducive to shooting in natural light. I'll post it soon.

Pete-I hear you re: being encumbered with loads of art books. I don't like feeling burdened with "stuff", things I don't find continually useful. There are many good reasons to use the library instead. For the sake of having constant access to certain techniques, inspiration, etc, I do like having my own small library in the studio. You're fortunate to have access to such a good library- one advantage to living in a large city!